Radiotherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the male urethra

Abstract

Carcinoma of the male urethra is an uncommon tumor. Four patients are reported in this investigation. All the patients belonged to the middle age group under the age of 45 years. None of them suffered from previous urethral stricture. The most unusual presentation was impotence due to the involvement of the corpus spongiosum of the penis. Urethrogram and urethroscopy with biopsy are the most useful aids in the diagnosis. All of them had epidermoid carcinoma and were treated with external radiation therapy. Two patients with distal urethral lesions without metastases responded well with a 4 and 5 years survival and disappearence of the tumor. Two patients with extensive bulbomembranous lesions had palliation with relief of pain and partial regression of the tumor. Radiation therapy in a properly selected patient with an early lesion gives gratifying result. Copyright © 1978 American Cancer Society